Abstract:
This research study focuses on drinking water availability and quality assessment in
Islamabad, Pakistan, with a specific emphasis on the installed filtration plants operated
by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The objectives of this study is to assess
drinking water quality through checking microbiological and physiochemical
parameters and to assess availability on different locations in Islamabad. The study
gathered information from ten functional filtration plants, polled 100 respondents, and
collected water samples for microbiological and physio chemical testing. Water
samples tested from microbiology, chemistry and waste water labs of IESE (Institute
of Environmental Sciences and Engineering), NUST. Carried out a cross sectional
study for availability survey to study the public’s perceptions and consumption
patterns. Six locations had satisfactory microbiological quality, according to the results
of the microbiological tests with 0/100ml counts of total and fecal coliforms, whereas
samples from four locations had coliform and fecal coliform bacteria >23. Physical and
chemical characteristics fell within acceptable bounds with mean values of pH (6.986),
TDS (236.4), hardness (148.8), turbidity (0.068), chlorides (21.1), and nitrates
(32.286). According to survey findings, people between the ages of 26 and 35 with
32% of responses frequency were more concerned about issues relating to water, which
highlights the necessity for focused awareness campaigns. Gender participation
disparities made it clear how crucial it is to include women in debates about water. The
equal deployment of filtration plants, mostly in residential areas, around Islamabad
highlights how important it is for homes to have access to clean water. Location of
filtration plant, type of property, plant’s hygiene and frequency of bringing in water
have significant impact on drinking water availability with p values .021, <.001, .011
and .033. The study sheds light on the availability and quality of water in Islamabad
which can aid in formulating required policies in future.
